Does a Perforated Eardrum Always Require Surgery?

According to Dr. Vu Duy Khanh, Specialist in Ear, Nose &Throat (ENT) at Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), eardrum perforation can result from several causes, including:

• Trauma: accidents, foreign bodies, insects entering the ear, or barotrauma due to sudden pressure changes, such as during airplane takeoff/landing or deep diving.
• Complications of otitis media infection: fluid retention and changes in middle ear pressure may lead to perforation.

Symptoms of eardrum perforation vary from person to person but the most common include:

• Tinnitus and hearing loss
• Ear pain (mild to severe)
• Ear discharge or pus (yellow, white, or green) or bleeding
• A sensation of fullness in the ear
• Nausea or dizziness if the vestibular system is affected

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult an ENT specialist promptly for diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications such as permanent hearing loss or severe otitis media.

Dr. Khanh explains that not all cases of eardrum perforation require surgical intervention. Small, recent perforations caused by trauma may heal spontaneously without treatment. However, larger or long-standing perforations often cannot heal on their own and require medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.

When surgery is necessary, possible procedures include:

• Simple tympanoplasty (eardrum repair)
• Atticoantrotomy with tympanoplasty
• Mastoidectomy
• Cholesteatoma removal surgery

At Hanoi French Hospital, every patient receives attentive care through comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment options, with the support of:

• A highly qualified ENT team including leading experts such as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thanh Quang, Dr. Vu Duy Khanh, and Dr. Doan Viet Cuong, who provide thorough consultation and tailored treatment plans.
• State-of-the-art endoscopy systems:
  • Rigid endoscopy providing high-definition images, commonly used for ear, nose, throat, and laryngeal diagnostics.
  • Flexible endoscopy with a diameter of only 3 mm and 130° angulation, enabling deep visualization without pain or irritation – suitable even for young children.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment strategies.
• Operating theaters equipped to French infection-control standards, ensuring reduced antibiotic use and faster recovery times for surgical patients.

For more detailed information or to book an appointment with a specialist at HFH, please contact HOTLINE 024.35771100, INBOX the Fanpage “Hanoi French Hospital” or Zalo OA zalo.me/2008009049335817955.